For some time now I've been reading and enjoying the book Run After the Right Kavod by Rabbi Moshe Don Kestenbaum. Besides for discussing how much I love the book, I'd like to zero in on what it talks about, which as its's title states- Kavod כבוד. For easier reference I"ll be referring to this word in it's transliteration form, as Kavod. In general Kavod is translated into English as "honor"or "respect". The vast information and importance of Kavod is too immense to mention all at one time, but the book makes sense of it all, and I highly recommend it. But carrying on, the gematria for Kavod is 32 (20+2+6+4). Let us see what other Hebrew words have the same gematria, and how we can link them to the concepts of honor and respect.
1. The word לב, or heart in English has a gematria of 32. One concept which I have learned from the book mentioned above, is that it is not enough to outwardly act with Kavod towards others only on the outside. It is imperative to also feel the Kavod for others from within. Where does this "within" come from? It comes from our לב- our heart! The commandment of showing other's Kavod isn't meant to be put on as an "act" so to speak. The commandment is for us to feel the Kavod towards the other person within our internal beings as well. It shouldn't be a robotic like action, rather an action filled with meaningful positive feeling.
2. The Hebrew word for wheat in Hebrew is חיטה, which also has a gematria of 32 (some spell it without the י). What is wheat? Wheat is essentially the staple of food, which is of course needed for survival. Not only that but many Mitzvot revolve around wheat, such as Matzah, Shmittah, and Challah. In other words, wheat is important because it gives us life! So too does Kavod. Taken from the book, in the name of the Alter from Slabodka it says that if person didn't receive any Kavod he would cease to live. Kavod is a source of life for a person, and so is wheat. When we give somebody the proper Kavod that he deserves, it is as if we are feeding him and infusing him with life. And just as a side point- now it is clear why we need to give bread so much Kavod, and we are not allowed to throw it away without wrapping it up.
3. A third Hebrew word that has a gematria of 32 is יחיד, which means individual. The book I am reading shows the tremendous importance of self-respect aka self Kavod. Kavod doesn't only apply to others, but to an individual as well. We must show ourselves Kavod in order to be the best we can be. The book goes in length regarding the importance of having Kavod for oneself. According to the book, a person with this lofty trait (in good measure) will acquire confidence, happiness, and the ability to overcome one's desires, along with a plethora of other good acquisitions. Although it may not be easy, it is very worthwhile to build up one's personal Kavod as an individual.
From these three connections to the word Kavod, it only touches upon the importance of this character trait, and how we constantly have to work on all facets of it. Not only is Kavod a commandment but it is a driving life force for others, and on an individual level. May we all take these concepts to heart (gematria of 32!) so we can emulate our great forefathers and sages. I also highly recommend Rabbi Kestenbaum's book for anybody looking to refine the trait of Kavod.
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